How to Protect Your House from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Water damage, flooding and ruined structures are the usual scenarios after a hurricane passes through. However, there are a few important precautions you can execute in order to prevent these scenarios and any excessive storm damage repairs. It's imperative to do whatever you can to secure your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Below is a list of practices to keep in mind while prepping your home against Mother Nature.Things to Prepare When a Hurricane Is Scheduled
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really one of the more vulnerable spots when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the area. When this happens, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are churning above your structure, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually it could tear it off your garage. To combat this from happening, the best technique is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. But if it's too late to install a kit, then you can use your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Busted windows don't only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that blows through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage. Storm shutters are a great approach to secure your home during a storm. When a storm is at hand, make sure the latches are functioning correctly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added protection. You can also board up your windows if you don't have storm shutters, but it's important to know that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are secure, check your doors next. Make sure they're sturdy and that the deadbolts are in working order.
- Roof – Inspecting your roof is vital before a hurricane passes through your location, and it can help you avoid property damage and provide you a sense of well-being. One of the first things you'll want to check for is loose shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, look for any threatening gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them off. Small gaps might not seem like a problem, but sealing them off can bar any water from entering your home. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened too. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there's appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains.
- Your Property – The outside of your property can be a number one hazard when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be launched into your residence and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your yard and relocate any garden accessories, children's toys, patio furniture and BBQs to an area safe from the storm. Another thing you'll want to do is trim back any dangling or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – Aside from your house, it's necessary to take precautions with your car. Don't park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that is vulnerable to flooding. If you rely on street parking, you should really be careful of where you park during a hurricane. In addition, do some prep work as well, such as: making sure your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.
